Nigeria Leagues
Beyond Limits edge ASEC Mimosas on penalties to clinch Gothia Cup U17 title
By Dayo Awoniyi
Nigeria’s Beyond Limits Football Academy emerged champions of the Gothia Cup 2025 U17 category after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Ivorian heavyweights ASEC Mimosas on Saturday.
The thrilling final at the world-renowned youth tournament lived up to its billing, showcasing explosive talent, tactical discipline, and the kind of resilience that defines future stars.
ASEC struck first in the fifth minute through a stunning acrobatic effort by Emile Emmanuel Zongo, putting the Ivorians ahead early.
But the Nigerians responded with grit and urgency, equalizing in the 20th minute following a goalmouth scramble that saw the ball bundled over the line.
With the score tied 1-1 at halftime, both sides adopted a more cautious approach in the second half.
The tactical chess match offered few clear-cut chances, and the deadlock persisted until the final whistle, sending the game into a nerve-racking penalty shootout.
The shootout ebbed and flowed with neither side willing to yield. Beyond Limits had the chance to seal victory after five penalties but were denied by a crucial save from the ASEC goalkeeper.
It wasn’t until the eighth round that the breakthrough came — ASEC missed their spot kick, allowing Beyond Limits to seal a famous win.
Celebrations were jubilant but composed, reflecting the discipline that has defined the Nigerian side’s campaign throughout the tournament.
Emmanuel Ayowonuola Adeboyejo, named Most Valuable Player of the final, expressed his joy after the hard-fought victory.
“I feel amazing and so relieved after that dramatic shootout. We’ve been a great team throughout this tournament, and I truly believe we deserve this,” he said.
Beyond Limits’ triumph marks a significant milestone in the academy’s development and adds another proud chapter to Nigeria’s growing legacy in global youth football.
